Yes, I watched the same game everyone else did and I know what the final score was. That said, maybe we should look at the defense as a work in process, just like the offense was for the past three seasons.
You may remember how horrid we were on offense a few years back. Then we drafted Winston and the whole 'Weapons for Winston' campaign began and yesterday,and in the preseason, no matter who was the QB, they ALL put up tremendous numbers and performances because they basically had an Oline to open holes for the RB's and keep the QB's erect and then all three worked the magic with Jackson,Evans, Godwin, Rudy, OJ, Brate and Watson. Yesterday, Barber really looked like an NFL running back. Next year the offense just needs another Olineman on the right side and someone to spell Barber and the offense is built for many years of productivity and depth.
Licht, this year, finally addressed the defensive side of the ball, with the D-backs drafted and the FA's signed plus the Vea pick. Here's my point. We are probably two, maybe three years away, from the defense from being finished. Those rookies, need game time and experience. Think Ronde Barber and John Lynch as a reference point. Ronde says it all came together for him in his THIRD year. We need to replace Grimes, Conte, JPP, Urian, Allen, Curry & McCoy and the possibility of Spence. That's 8 bodies for those counting at home, plus the experience factor of this years rookie class and the future draftees.
But just like the offense was built and is now productive, I believe Licht, Koetter and Smith have a methodical plan to make the defense what it once was...DOMINATING. The LB's are solid and the picks look like the real deal and justin Evans looks like an All Star. So, IMHO, we need to be patient and follow the process. My take away from yesterday's defensive effort, for the most part was good. Grimes was out, JPP hurt & ineffective with a knee injury, Spence played two snaps (ouch) Hargraves turned in a solid game until he was hurt and the three rookies got baptized against and first ballot Hall of Famer who damn sure was trying to win.
Remember the Saints had only 24 points going into the 4th quarter and were shut out in the 3rd quarter, There was a sack, some hits on Brees, turnovers for scores, etc. So it wasn't all bad, despite the final score that was predicated on the 4th quarter prevent defense to eat the clock.
Overall, I think the Bucs are on their way. Let's stick with Licht and give him time to draft 8 more studs and for Smith to coach them up. Before the season started, the Glazers were talking about growth and continuity. I, for one, really don't want to go back to the two year and out firings of coaches and GM's and gutting the roster again. I'm not a Smith fanboy but you need the horses to win a race.
What say you?
